Here’s how much money the Broncos could save by moving on from veterans

Welcome to John Elway season.

While No. 7 used to tear up the field in the fourth quarter in the fall and winter as a player, Elway now makes his money by tearing up and rebuilding his roster as the flowers begin to bloom in the spring.

But there’s not just the draft and free agency for Elway and Co. to focus on. This year, more than ever, he has many major decisions to make about the top players on his roster.

Outside of Von Miller, nearly every household name in Broncos Country could be cut to open up cap space.

Here are all of those players and how much money the Broncos could save by moving on from each and every one of them.

NOTE: All numbers are according to Spotrac, crosschecked with Over the Cap.

Case Keenum

Cap hit in 2019: $21 million

Dead cap: $10 million

Potential Savings: $11 million

There’s no question Keenum’s on the move in some form or fashion after Denver traded for Joe Flacco.

If Elway decided to keep both at their current prices — which won’t happen — Denver would have nearly $40 million against the cap between the two players — by far the highest number of cap space devoted to the position in the NFL.

The $10 million in dead money isn’t the easiest to swallow, but freeing up $11 million in the process helps it go down.

Joe Flacco

Cap hit in 2019: $18.5 million

Dead cap: $0 million

Potential Savings: $18.5 million

Not happening, but the $0 guaranteed proves just how team-friendly Flacco’s contract is and why there was such little risk in acquiring the Super Bowl MVP.

Emmanuel Sanders

Cap hit in 2019: $12.938 million

Dead cap: $2.688 million

Potential Savings: $10.25 million

At 32 years old, coming off a season-ending torn Achilles, Sanders’ $13 million cap hit for 2019 is steep. However, after trading Demaryius Thomas last year, Denver’s remaining receivers are as inexperienced as can be.

If they did want to go this route, Denver could use the $10.25 million in savings in free agency in order to sign Sanders’ replacement.

If it weren’t for the injury, Sanders would be a lock to back in 2019, but Achilles injuries have historically been one of the most difficult to overcome. Injury clauses in his contract could make this not as straightforward.

Derek Wolfe

Cap hit in 2019: $10.925 million

Dead cap: $2.375 million

Potential Savings: $8.55 million

Wolfe’s been a staple along Denver’s defensive line since the Broncos drafted him in the second round in 2012. However, a variety of injuries have caused him to miss multiple games in three of the past four seasons.

While Wolfe did play a full season last year, he only accumulated 1.5 sacks — a small output for such a steep cap hit.

Elway’s stood by Wolfe’s side his entire career, but $8.55 million is substantial savings. A pay cut/restructure would likely be ideal in Elway’s eyes.

Ron Leary

Cap hit in 2019: $9.219 million

Dead cap: $1.75 million

Potential Savings: $7.469 million

**Guaranteed to injury: $5.35 million

The Broncos made Leary one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL when they signed him to a four-year deal in 2017. Since then, Leary’s played in 17 games and has missed 15 games due to injury.

When he’s been on the field, Leary’s played to the level Denver hoped for when they signed him. But availability is more important than ability, and coming off a torn Achilles leaves many questions about his future health.

On the surface, Denver could save a good chunk of change by moving on from the injured guard. However, if he’s unable to pass a physical by Mar. 17 — which seems highly unlikely coming off a torn Achilles — $5.35 million of Leary’s salary will become guaranteed.

That alone makes it very difficult for Denver to move on from him.

Brandon Marshall

Cap hit in 2019: $9 million

Dead cap: $4 million

Potential Savings: $5 million

The Broncos have already notified Marshall that they will most likely not exercise the option in his contract, which will make him a free agent.

Many believed this move was going to happen last year, but Marshall’s contract didn’t allow for that.

Marshall missed five games last year due to injury, and the Broncos added three young inside linebackers last year.

Chris Harris Jr.

Cap hit in 2019: $8.767 million

Dead cap: $866,668

Potential Savings: $7.9 million

Chris won’t be going anywhere since he’s one of the best players at his position in the NFL and one of the best values at any position in the league. Forget about the $7.9 million in potential savings, pay the man.

Darian Stewart

Cap hit in 2019: $6.369 million

Dead cap: $2.8 million

Potential Savings: $3.569 million

Before last season, moving on from Stewart this year seemed to be a foregone conclusion. However, after Justin Simmons and Su’a Cravens had down years, it’s not as much of a guarantee that Denver will move on from the veteran safety.

Stewart’s many stingers throughout the year, however, gives Elway an additional reason for the Broncos to chase the $3.569 million in savings.

Todd Davis

Cap hit in 2019: $5 million

Dead cap: $2 million

Potential Savings: $3 million

Vance Joseph loved Todd Davis. Joseph, however, is no longer in Denver. Saying that, Davis is coming off his best year as a pro, which will be very enticing for new head coach Vic Fangio.

Josey Jewell, Denver’s fourth-round pick last year, plays a similar style of game as Davis, making for a slim chance Elway chooses to save the money and move on from Davis.

But don’t forget, Davis was a captain last year.

Brandon McManus

Cap hit in 2019: $4 million

Dead cap: $2.5 million

Potential Savings: $1.5 million

It wouldn’t be the first time a kicker or punter has been cut to save money. McManus has been excellent as a Bronco, so another kicker would have to really prove his worth during the spring and summer to make Denver seriously consider this.

But it wouldn’t be unheard of.